I Ching Line Positions & Relationships

Understanding “Dang Wei” and “Bu Dang Wei”

In the context of the Six Lines (Liù Yáo 六爻), positions are categorized into odd and even positions. The first, third, and fifth positions are odd, corresponding to Yang (阳, yáng), while the second, fourth, and top positions are even, corresponding to Yin (阴, yīn).

The I Ching (《易经 Yì Jīng》) consists of 64 hexagrams (卦 guà), each with 384 lines (爻 yáo). A line in a Yang position is considered to be in its “right” or “dang wei” (当位), and similarly, a line in a Yin position is also considered to be “properly placed.” This can also be referred to as “having the correct position” or “receiving the proper order.”

However, if a Yang line occupies a Yin position or a Yin line occupies a Yang position, this is considered “not in its right place,” or “bu dang wei” (不当位), and can also be described as having “lost its proper position” or “misplaced.”

Understanding the Relationship of “Cheng” (乘)

The term “Cheng” (乘) originally means to dominate or to tower over, implying one position standing above another. In I Ching readings, if a line positioned above dominates one positioned below, this dynamic is referred to as “cheng.” It’s often used to describe the Yin line’s relationship with the Yang line, a concept also known as “cheng gang” (乘刚), which symbolizes a subordinate challenging a superior, or a petty person disrespecting a noble individual. This scenario typically suggests unfortunate outcomes.

In the I Ching, two primary patterns of “cheng” emerge:

1. When a Yin line is above a Yang line. For instance, in the Tún hexagram (屯卦), the second line (Liù èr 六二) dominates the first line (Chū jiǔ 初九), and the top line (Shàng liù 上六) dominates the fifth line (Jiǔ wǔ 九五). This relationship is referred to as “èr chéng chū” (“Two dominates the first”) and “shàng chéng wǔ” (“Top dominates the fifth”). These scenarios are often considered unfavorable, as reflected in the line statements, such as “Liù èr zhī nán” (六二之难), meaning the difficulty of the second line.
2. When multiple Yin lines dominate a single Yang line. For example, in the Zhèn hexagram (震卦), the first line (Chū jiǔ 初九) is dominated by the second (Liù èr 六二) and third (Liù sān 六三) lines, while the fourth line (Jiǔ sì 九四) is dominated by the fifth (Liù wǔ 六五) and top line (Shàng liù 上六). These interactions are referred to as “èr chéng chū”, “sān chéng chū”, “wǔ chéng sì”, and “shàng chéng sì”. The intensity of the domination is determined by the proximity of the lines—closer lines exert a stronger influence.

What Does It Mean for Two Lines to “Bi” (比)?

The term “Bi” (比) refers to nearness, closeness, and mutual support. When two lines in a hexagram occupy adjacent positions and share a strong, close relationship, they are said to be in a “Bi” relationship. For example, the relationship between the first and second lines, the second and third lines, and so on, is described as a “Bi” relationship.

If one line is Yang and the other is Yin, this relationship is deemed “a favorable Bi”—generally considered a positive omen. However, if both lines share the same attribute (either both Yang or both Yin), it results in either a “Yang against Yang” or “Yin against Yin” scenario. This leads to stagnation rather than support, and the two lines may even act as enemies, preventing each other from progressing.

In summary, the I Ching encourages balance and harmony between the Yang and Yin lines, highlighting the importance of both position and relationship in determining the outcome of divinations. This concept of balance is not only fundamental in ancient Chinese philosophy but also finds its way into modern aesthetics and design. For instance, the creation of yin yang jewelry often embodies the same principle of harmonizing opposing forces, symbolizing the interdependence and balance of Yin and Yang in a tangible form. Just as the I Ching teaches us to seek equilibrium in the dynamic interplay of energies, yin yang jewelry serves as a reminder of the beauty and significance of balance in our daily lives.